[Shop-talk] HB drill press

[Doug Braun]

I am rather late replying to this, but here is my bit:

If you are buying ANY made-in-China drill press, try
real hard to examine the actual unit you will
purchase.  It is common for the movable plunger part
(I'm sure there is a proper technical name for it) to
be a bit loose in its bore, which means that the tip
of the drill bit will have some side-to-side play,
which makes fine, accurate work impossible.  Try to
find a unit where the plunger has the smallest
possible amount of free play, especially when it is
lowered in inch or two.

Also, buying a name brand (e.g. Sears Craftsman) is no
guarantee of better quality here.

Doug

--- Phil Nase <bugi1960 at gmail.com> wrote:

> I need an inexpensive drill press for occasional
> home use.  I don't  
> need a lot of extras.  Mostly just light car
> restoration work.
> 
> Will one of the harbor freight models be OK.  Any
> particular model  
> that anyone has used?